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The Totems |
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“Totems”- for the Pure Joy of BuildingTimeless Architecture of the Human Spirit
A compact (400 sq. ft.) dovetailed log cabin with a 150 sq. ft. loft, placed exactly on the footprint of a derelict homesteader’s log cabin in Paradise Valley North of Squamish, BC.
From the architect’s design notes: It is important to note that at a particular point during the design process, when the degree or level of design solution could have been said ‘to fill the bill or suit the purpose’ and would have resulted in a normally very acceptable finished product, I felt that I was overlooking something significant. It was a bit later, while working on another project, that I suddenly realized what that something significant was. It was the inherent spirit or spirits of this great Pacific Northwest site with it’s great trees. It was this spirit or spirits also that affected the original indigenous culture and the later paintings of Emily Carr and Jack Wise. Being influenced by and sensitive to the importance of this spirit, ‘form-creations’- be they structures, totems, or paintings- can achieve a sense of being or persona all their own.
At this point, finalization of the design of “Totems” took shape. The four corner posts of yellow cedar, with their red cedar arms and legs, became ‘man trees.’ The two yellow cedar posts on the primary axis, with their red cedar yokes, became totemic- hence the name “The Totems.” Now, the four ‘man trees’ at the four corners and the two totems on the main axis, along with the central granite masonry pillar containing a Rumford fireplace, came together to hold up the timber frame gable roof. This cedar shake roof was crowned along the full length of its apex with a continuous glass skylight; projecting roof beams were protected with copper flashing. The exterior walls of this structure are 12x12 cedar timbers that were dovetail jointed at the corners. At the gable ends, glass was fitted between the structure and the log walls. Later, the exterior patio totems were added to the main axis of the house. Also, ponds and landscaping were laid out and executed by the owners and the landscaping firm to admirably compliment the building. As in all our buildings, preference was given to natural materials and finishes, and craftsmanship over ersatz industrial products and production. One often hears comments to the effect that “They can’t build like that any more,” suggesting that there are no craftsmen in our modern society. However, there will always be persons who care passionately about creating items of value, beauty and craftsmanship. They only need the opportunity. The Scotts, along with the architect, have provided that opportunity |
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| This project featured in:
Exhibitions & Awards
Builder - Surfit Log Homes and Trans North Construction |
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